Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy

108
Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy
no analysis has been undertaken to quantify the sustainability of current
extractions.
Due to the sandy nature of the soil it is commonly acknowledged that
sewage/effluent from on-site wastewater management systems will infiltrate the
groundwater aquifer and ultimately end up in the waterways, in this instance into
Durras Lake. This is not acceptable given the comprehensive protection
classification given to Durras Lake by the Independent Inquiry Into Coastal Lakes
(HRC, 2001).
Groundwater quality results (taken in mid-1980s) show elevated nitrate levels and
the presence of faecal bacteria confirming the contamination of the groundwater
from poorly managed on-site wastewater management systems. No additional
water quality information is available due to the lack of a monitoring program.
Stormwater entering the lake from the developed area may also impact on the
health and visual quality of the lake. The likely pollutants are hydrocarbons from the
roads, litter particularly from the hot spots (e.g. caravan park and commercial area),
and nutrients and particles associated with the sediments. In the absence of
stormwater quantity and quality monitoring, preliminary estimates suggest an
annual flow of 565 kL, with corresponding nitrogen and phosphorus loads of 680 kg
and 90 kg respectively.
Degradation of sensitive natural wetlands from stormwater discharge and the
invasion of exotic weeds.
Social Issues
Due to the popular nature of the village and its surrounds, there are concerns that
development density will increase or the village footprint will be expanded.
Dependence on rainfall has, at times, reduced the reliability of the individual water
systems.
Current on-site wastewater management practices are posing a public health risk
particularly during rainy periods.
South Durras records the highest number of complaints relating to on-site
wastewater management in the shire.
There is no formal approach to stormwater management in the village to promote
the better management and efficient use of this resource.
The village residents do not receive ‘tips’ on how to save water and on how to
better manage their on-site wastewater systems.
There is no local water provision to fight building fires within the village.
9.2.3 How Do We Fix the Problems?
Overview
South Durras’s water cycle needs to be managed sustainably. This could be achieved
through the implementation of appropriate planning controls. The issues of future
development and acid sulfate soil runoff could be managed by amending the Local
Environmental Plan and development control plans. For instance South Durras is opposed
to the provision of a reticulated water and sewerage system, citing that this will allow the
zoning of the village to change and may result in more medium density development.